Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has secured the Peoples Democratic Party ticket for the Kogi Central Senatorial District, following a ward-based affirmation exercise that party leaders describe as a strong show of internal democracy and grassroots support.

The process, conducted across all 57 wards in the senatorial district, saw party members and supporters turn out to endorse Akpoti-Uduaghan as the PDP’s flag bearer ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ward exercises were held simultaneously before results were collated at Kahal Cinema in Okene, where leaders, stakeholders and a large crowd of supporters gathered to witness the conclusion of the exercise.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were on hand to monitor proceedings, alongside journalists and party agents, in a bid to ensure transparency and adherence to electoral guidelines. Party insiders say the choice of a ward-based affirmation was aimed at reinforcing participation at the grassroots and consolidating unity within the party’s ranks in Kogi Central.

Addressing supporters after the final collation, Akpoti-Uduaghan described her emergence as an endorsement of a shared vision for development and inclusion in the district. She said the turnout across the wards reflected the determination of party members to deepen democratic participation and strengthen the PDP’s base ahead of the polls.

She told the crowd that the affirmation was not merely a personal victory but a collective mandate to pursue better infrastructure, economic opportunities and social justice for communities across Kogi Central. She pledged to maintain close engagement with constituents, promising regular consultations and accountability in the discharge of her duties.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also framed the exercise as a continuation of her political journey in the district, where she has built a reputation as a vocal advocate on issues of governance, equity and resource allocation. Her supporters argue that her candidacy positions the PDP as a formidable force in the forthcoming senatorial contest, especially in a region that has witnessed intense political competition in recent election cycles.

With the affirmation concluded, the PDP in Kogi Central is expected to move into the next phase of campaign planning, coalition building and voter mobilisation, as the party seeks to convert internal unity into electoral advantage when Nigerians head to the polls.